Acute Flaccid Paralysis and West Nile Virus Infection

• DOI: 10.3201/eid0907.030129
• Publication Date: 2012-06-11T12:17:15Z
• Authors: James J. Sejvar; A. Arturo Leis; Dobrivoje S. Stokic; Jay A. Van Gerpen; Anthony A. Marfin; Risa Webb; Maryam B. Haddad; Bruce C. Tierney; Sally A. Slavinski; Jo Lynn Polk; Victor Dostrow; Michael Winkelmann; Lyle R. Petersen
• Keywords: Flaccid paralysis; Etiology; Acute flaccid paralysis

Abstract Acute weakness associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection has previously been attributed to a peripheral demyelinating process (Guillain-Barré syndrome); however, the exact etiology of this acute flaccid paralysis not systematically assessed. To thoroughly describe clinical, laboratory, and electrodiagnostic features syndrome, we evaluated that developed in seven patients setting WNV infection, consecutively identified four hospitals St. Tammany Parish New Orleans, Louisiana, Jackson, Mississippi. All had onset asymmetric areflexia but no sensory abnormalities. Clinical data suggested involvement spinal anterior horn cells, resulting poliomyelitis-like syndrome. In areas which transmission is occurring, should be considered paralysis. Recognition such may origin prevent inappropriate treatment diagnostic testing.